Remember, whether your physician talks to you about acid reflux disease or GERD, both are names for the same disease. GERD is simply short for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.

Acid reflux disease, or GERD, can interfere with your lifestyle, disrupt your sleep, and make dinner plans a pain. Heartburn, the painful, burning sensation in your chest is the most common symptom of the disease. In fact, pain from heartburn can be so severe that it is often mistaken for a heart attack.

Other symptoms of GERD can include the following:

Difficulty swallowing

Persistent belching

Regurgitation

Damage to tooth enamel due to acid regurgitation

Sore throat

Wheezing

Chronic coughing

Hoarseness

If you think you may have GERD, speak with an EJGH physician. He or she will have the tools to properly diagnosis the disease and begin administering proper treatment.

There are some lifestyle changes patients suffering from GERD can do to lessen the painful affects of the disease and suppress flare-ups. For instance, certain foods can irritate the condition, so people with GERD should avoid caffeine, peppermint, spicy foods, acidic foods like oranges and tomato-based sauces, fried foods and alcohol. Smoking and carrying excess weight can also contribute to discomfort as can eating large portions at one sitting or lying down too quickly after a meal.